29 December 2023, Mumbai

REWIND 2023

Despite a year beset by global economic storm clouds, inflation, and supply chain snarls, a glimmer of hope flickers as the holiday season concludes. 

2023 has undoubtedly been a tough one for our industry, with the conflict between Israel and Hamas and soaring costs further tightening our belts. 

Yet, amidst the turbulence, whispers of resilience and adaptation begin to rise.

Challenges Faced

As advanced economies cranked up interest rates to combat inflation, consumer spending and retail sales took a global nosedive. Clothing imports in the USA and EU plummeted from January to October, painting a somber picture. 

To add to the woes, the recent December 2023 government gazette notification mandating new minimum wages effective January 2024 looms large, posing a new set of hurdles.

A Silver Lining?: 

The recent unprecedented holiday sales surge offers a much-needed shot of optimism. However, the joy is tempered by the reality of rising production costs due to skyrocketing electricity, gas, and finance expenses, compounded by the global push for living wages. 

Adjusting pricing to reflect these higher costs becomes inevitable.

Building Bridges and Finding Sustainability

Thankfully, there are rays of light. Engagements with global organizations and fashion brands have fostered positive partnerships, with some brands already agreeing to pay prices that consider the increased wage requirements. 

Open communication with buyers is crucial to ensuring our industry's sustainability amid cost pressures.

Looking Ahead: Beyond Survival

The industry's achievements in improving safety and responsibility standards, evident in substantial investments and a significant minimum wage hike since 2010, are noteworthy. 

However, these advances necessitate a strategic and innovative approach to navigate future investments, expansion, and growth opportunities. 

As we weave through the uncertainties of tomorrow, ensuring long-term sustainability will require collaboration, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of new horizons.

5 Key Insights:

1. Global Storm, Local Squeeze: Inflation, conflict, and supply chain snarls tightened belts.
2. Consumer Crunch: Rising rates chilled global retail sales, imports plummeted.
3. Minimum Wage Woes: December decree added fresh hurdle to cost pressures.
4. Holiday Hopeful Flicker: Sales surge offered a glimmer of optimism, tempered by reality.
5. Collaboration for Continuity: Open communication, fair pricing key to sustainable future.

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23 December 2023, Mumbai

Forget the saris and bindis of yesterday. India's luxury market is undergoing a tectonic shift, shaking off its price-conscious image and embracing high-end indulgence. International giants like Dior and Gucci bow to the allure of Indian sensibilities, weaving intricate jadau designs into handbags and crafting trunks inspired by vibrant phulkari patterns.

Video Insights

It is no coincidence 

This is no fleeting trend. From a mere $8.5 billion today, India's luxury market is poised to explode to a staggering $85 billion by 2030 (Bain & Co. report). 

Why the sudden surge? A wave of wealthy consumers is cresting, fueled by rising disposable incomes. Hold onto your turbans, folks, because by 2027, India will boast a 69% increase in millionaires. That's 19,000 individuals sporting net worths thicker than a Sikh's beard!

And who's setting the tone for this flamboyant fashion fiesta? Enter the prolific Punjabi entertainers. 

Think Diljit Dosanjh, Badshah, and Randhawa – these stars, with their dazzling outfits and statement jewelry, are redefining luxury with a distinctly desi flavor.

5 Key Insights that Make India's Luxury Boom Irresistible:

• Luxury Redefined: Global brands are swapping samosas for saris, adapting to Indian motifs (Dior's jadau, LV's phulkari).
• Market Boom: Forget frugal, India's luxury market is skyrocketing, surging from $8.5 billion to $85 billion by 2030 (Bain & Co.).
• Wealthy Wave: Rising millionaires and disposable incomes are fueling this explosive growth (69% increase by 2027).
• Flamboyant Influencers: Punjabi stars like Dosanjh and Badshah are driving trends with their bold fashion choices.
• Cultural Infusion: Traditional elements are meeting luxury brands, shaping a unique Indian luxury identity.

Red-letter day; So, step aside, Paris and Milan. India's luxury scene is rewriting the rules, adding a generous dollop of masala to the global fashion pot. 

Get ready for a dazzling display of desi dazzle, where peacock feathers meet haute couture and bindis become a billion-dollar business.

This is WHY India—the land where luxury is getting a vibrant, masala makeover!

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20 December 2023, Mumbai

Meet Frontier

Revolutionizing Fashion with AI: From Industry 5.0 to Digital Frontiers

The fashion and textile landscape is hurtling towards a new era, with AI poised to lead the charge. 

Forget mere evolution; AI is redefining how we work, succeed, and even experience fashion. 

This isn't just about cutting-edge technology; it's about seizing opportunity and reshaping the future of a vibrant industry.

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A Global Stage Awaits

Let's zoom out. The global fashion market is racing towards Industry 5.0, where AI and automation dominate. 

By 2025, AI is projected to unlock a staggering $275 billion in operational benefits—a testament to its transformative power. 

This shift isn't optional; it's the key to staying competitive and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

India's Fashion Renaissance

Closer to home, India's textile and apparel market is poised for phenomenal growth, forecast to reach a staggering $190 billion by 2026.

E-commerce plays a key role in this surge, with online fashion exceeding all other segments in its growth trajectory. 

As demand explodes, AI becomes an indispensable partner in navigating this exciting yet complex landscape.

Obstacles and Opportunities

Yet, challenges abound. The textile industry faces cost pressures across labor, production, machinery, and shipping. 

This is where AI steps in, not as a competitor but as a powerful ally in overcoming these hurdles.

Bridging the Gap: Introducing Frontier

But a significant gap exists between the current state of the industry and the emerging AI-driven future. 

This chasm presents both a challenge and an opportunity—a fertile ground for innovation and growth. 

Enter Frontier, our initiative designed to bridge this gap. We aim to leverage the power of AI to unlock a more effective and creative future for fashion, focusing on three key areas:

• Digital product creation: Streamline design, development, and production with AI-powered tools.
• On-demand e-commerce: Personalize customer experiences and optimize inventory management through data-driven insights.
• Sustainable products: Develop eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes using AI-powered research and analysis.

5 Insights:

1. AI Revolution: Fashion rewired for creativity & efficiency.
2. Digital Design: Streamline product creation, from sketch to shelf.
3. Personal E-commerce: Data-driven experiences, no two carts alike.
4. Sustainable Future: AI tackles waste, designs eco-friendly threads.
5. Bridging the Gap: Frontier paves the path to fashion's AI era.

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29 December 2023, Mumbai

Amidst 2023's turmoil, fashion giants from Asia, Africa, and beyond embraced "friendshoring," forging regional bonds to weather global storms. The BRICS+, a consortium holding over 45% of the world's population, emerged as a powerhouse in this shift. Their Moscow summit, a vibrant tapestry of 130 brands, showcased a bold vision: rewriting the fashion narrative through collaboration and inclusivity.

Reimagining the Fabric of Fashion:

Fashion, a $2.5 trillion juggernaut, witnessed a tectonic shift at the BRICS+ summit. Designers from India, Turkey, South Africa, and beyond saw this as a launchpad to disrupt the established order. 

It wasn't just about trade; Cem Altan, President of IAF, envisioned it as a political and economic "BRICS transformation," urging these nations to open doors, learn global practices, and wield their collective clout.

Key Threads in the New Pattern:

• Friendshoring: Local brands thrived in Russia after Western departures, proving the potential of regional alliances.
• Emerging Narratives: Designers from beyond the fashion capitals showcased their unique aesthetics, challenging Western dominance.
• Sustainable Stitches: Sustainability, a hot topic on the global stage, resonated strongly at the summit, with brands exploring eco-friendly practices.

The BRICS+ Fashion Summit wasn't just a runway; it was a revolution. 

It weaved a vision of a more diverse, collaborative, and sustainable fashion landscape where new threads from emerging markets would rewrite the global tapestry.

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22 December 2023, Mumbai

WHY India

In the bustling heart of the Intex India 2023 Exhibition, the Intex Textile Conclave unfurled a captivating narrative for the future of fashion. 

Over two days, from December 7th to 8th, the conclave became the epicenter for industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts, converging to reimagine the very fabric of the fashion and textile industry. DFU I FashionatingWorld was the "Knowledge Partner" for the conclave.

A Shift in Fashion DNA: "Fibres of Fashion: Reimagining the Future of Textiles"

The guiding theme, "Fibres of Fashion: Reimagining the Future of Textiles," set the stage for a profound shift from supply-driven markets to consumer-centric narratives. Sanjay Chawla, founder and editor-in-chief of DFU, set the tone by emphasizing a pivotal evolution: "The perspective has changed. It is now the fashion to fiber." In his presentation, 

In "Weaving a New Narrative for Consumers," he emphasized the collective responsibility of the supply chain, fabrics, yarns, and fibers to deliver values aligning with evolving consumer choices, both aesthetic and functional.

Mapping the fiber landscape: "Fibres of Change"

Delving into the dynamics of India's fiber market on a global canvas, the "Fibres of Change" session provided a comprehensive analysis. Sanjay Jain, Chairman of ICC National Textile Committee, highlighted the strategic shift to blends, particularly polyester-cotton blends, as a response to soaring cotton prices. 

A statistical presentation by Sarathy TG underscored the accelerated growth of fiber blends, proving their potential without compromising quality.

The cutting-edge "Fibres & Yarns of the Future "Intex Textile Conclave 2023 Theme Textiles Reimagined ignites the discussion

The conference navigated the future of fibers in the fashion industry with a lively panel discussion on whether traditional yarns and fabrics are losing their edge. 

Dr. Deepti Gupta, Professor at IIT Delhi, moderated the session, emphasizing the critical role of cutting-edge developments in addressing challenges posed by changing consumer demands and sustainability concerns. 

The fashion industry, she noted, stands at a crossroads, and fibers of the future will be instrumental in navigating this path.

Fusion of "Fabrics of Fashion & Functionality"

A captivating panel discussion explored the intricate dance of fusion and blends, unveiling how different fibers interact to create fabrics with enhanced aesthetics, luxurious feels, and specialized performance properties. From sportswear to activewear, the session delved into the benefits and applications of blending fibers.

Building bridges & beyond: Stakeholder collaboration for industry progress

Vijay Mathur, DG & CEO of ATDC, hailed the Intex Textile Conclave as an excellent platform for the entire textile value chain. The event not only provided a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns but also facilitated collaboration. Dr. Deepti Gupta moderated a session underscoring the need for collaboration to address industry-wide issues.

Sanjiv Mehan, Business Head at Nimble, a knitwear brand from Gini Filament, shared his enriching experience, stating, "It was indeed a very enlightening experience. I left an enriched professional with greater motivation and resolve to contribute to the fashion and textile industries."

The revolution at the loom: "AI X Textiles & Fashion Reimagined"

Looking beyond fibers and fabrics, the second day explored the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. Vedant Ahluwalia, MD of Dataviv, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, urging the industry to embrace AI as part of its strategy for sustainable growth. "The time for textiles and fashion to embrace the AI revolution is now!" declared Ahluwalia.

In essence

The Intex Textile Conclave held at the Intex India exhibition ( Dec 07-09) wove together insights, innovations, and aspirations for the future of fashion. 

From consumer-centric narratives to AI-powered revolutions, the discussions challenged and inspired, leaving participants with a renewed vision for the textiles of tomorrow. 

The lead speakers included Sanjay Jain, TT Ltd., Ujwal Lahoti, Lahoti Overseas, Chandrima Chatterjee, CITI, HKL Magu, Past Chairman AEPC, Lakshmi Bhatia, Ravish Nanda, and Director Sourcing Benetton, among other industry leaders.

The event stood as a testament to the industry's resilience and adaptability, setting the stage for a dynamic and transformative future in textiles and fashion, not just in India but beyond.

5 Key Insights:

1. Consumer Shift: From supply-driven to consumer-centric focus.
2. Fiber Blends: Polyester-cotton rising due to cost and function.
3. Future Fabrics: AI integration for sustainability and innovative blends.
4. Fusion Fabrics: Enhanced aesthetics, feel, and performance properties.
5. Stakeholder Unity: Collaboration key for industry progress and growth.

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20 December 2023, Mumbai

WHY India 

Unveiling the Fabric of India: Beyond the Runway at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit

Scene: A Kaleidoscope of Vibrant India

Beyond the catwalk, Zaryadye Park explodes with color. Shimmering sarees dance amidst clinking champagne flutes, while electrifying chatter fills the air. The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is in full bloom, and India's sartorial splendor takes center stage.

Beyond the Surface: Unveiling Fashion Secrets

But this catwalk holds more than fleeting trends. Behind the dazzling runway lies a hidden treasure trove of insights waiting to be unraveled. One session, "Reverse Pitch: Country Expert Session. India," promises an illuminating deep dive into the vibrant heart of Indian fashion. 

Forget dusty panels and predictable presentations; this is a journey to unlock the secrets that make India's style scene tick.

Passion Stitched into Garments:

Dr. Gulbash Duggal, a fashion education guru, holds the key. She unravels a simple truth: "India is a nation woven with love." This isn't just a sentimental notion; it's the very thread that binds Indian fashion. 

Here, clothes transcend mere trends, becoming vessels for deep emotional connections, cherished for their enduring allure. "We fall in love with garments," Dr. Duggal confesses, revealing a market driven by passion, not fleeting fads.

Opening the Market Door:

Akashdeep Singh, the strategist, shifts the spotlight. He shines a light on e-commerce giants like Choupette as gateways to the vast Indian market. 

His message is clear: "Entering India isn't a question of 'if,' but of 'what legacy will you leave behind?'" He replaces doubt with an irresistible call to action, beckoning fashion pioneers to be part of India's burgeoning story.

Collaboration: A Tapestry of Strength

But Sameep Shastri, the visionary, paints a grander picture. He envisions a future where BRICS+ nations stand united, their unique skills and industries intertwined into a vibrant tapestry.

 "Together," he proclaims, "we can create sustainable products, built to last." This vision transcends fashion, becoming a blueprint for collaboration, a future forged in unity, not competition.

A Witty Spark Ignites Action:

Moderated by the witty Sanjay Chawla, editor and publisher of DFU Publications, the session crackled with energy. As it concludes, his final words echo: "The past four decades belonged to China. The next three belong to India." This isn't just a prediction; it's a clarion call, an invitation to witness and contribute to the rise of Indian fashion as a global force.

Key Insights

1. Passion: Clothes as emotional connections, not trends.
2. Commerce: E-commerce giants unlock the vast Indian market.
3. Collaboration: BRICS+ nations weave a sustainable future together.
4. Legacy: Build your mark on India's fashion evolution.
5. Rise: The next fashion powerhouse: India's three decades.

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26 December 2023, Mumbai

Textiles Tango, Apparel Takes a Tumble

The US import scene is a two-act drama this month. Textiles pirouette to a 7.2% annual rise, while apparel stumbles, down 8.3% year-over-year. 

This contrasting waltz hints at hidden trends.

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Zooming Out: A Subdued Symphony

Stepping back, the melody gets murkier. Overall imports dip 15% year-to-date, a trend echoed in both sectors: textiles down 11.2%, apparel down a jarring 23.8%. 

The year-end finale? 17% drop, painting a somber picture.

Shifting Winds on the Sourcing Seas

Even familiar trade giants are feeling the breeze. 

China, the reigning monarch, sees its imports increase by 8.0% monthly and 19.6% annually. 

India, defying gravity, surges 11.0% monthly, though it remains down 9.7% overall.

Vietnam and Turkey weather smaller monthly dips but face annual headwinds of 16.5% and 3.1%, respectively.

Surprise Twists

New Voices on the Stage: The plot thickens with unexpected leads. 

Malaysia and Mexico strut onstage, boasting monthly gains of 97.6% and 32.8%, respectively. 

Egypt joins the chorus with a mind-blowing 177.7% jump.

These rising stars highlight the diversification of the imported cast.

Unraveling the Fabric

This complex textile is woven with both decline and resilience. 

While the monthly dip suggests market challenges, the annual and source-country data reveal pockets of hope and even growth. 

The contrasting dances of textiles and apparel suggest shifts in consumer preferences or supply chain rhythms.

The meteoric rise of Malaysia, Mexico, and Egypt underscores the dynamic recasting of the import scene.

GIST

1. Textile Tango, Apparel Stumbles: Different beats in US import scene.
2. Subdued Symphony: Overall imports slide, apparel plummets.
3. China & India Soar: Familiar giants defy the downward trend.
4. Surprise Arrivals: Malaysia, Mexico, Egypt stage dramatic debuts.
5. Diversification Dance: New players reshape the import landscape.

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21 December 2023, Mumbai

New ITMF Chief Sees Opportunity and Challenges

K.V. Srinivasan, freshly appointed president of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), paints a promising picture for India's textile industry on the global stage. 

China Exit Boosts India; He sees a golden opportunity as international buyers seek alternatives to China, yet acknowledges hurdles like subdued global demand and inflationary pressures.

Speaking at a virtual event organized by the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), Srinivasan, recently acclaimed by SIMA, pointed to a surprising trend: even during festive periods, domestic textile demand in India remains disappointingly low. 

This, he asserts, highlights the urgent need for the Indian industry to boost its competitiveness.

Schindler Urges India to Embrace Change

ITMF Director General Christian P. Schindler added to the discussion, outlining global industry trends and emphasizing the vital role of innovation and sustainability in navigating the current landscape.

Golden Gateway Opens for India

Srinivasan's optimism stems from the growing international demand for textiles outside China. 

This presents a significant opening for India's robust textile sector, already well-positioned with its established infrastructure and skilled workforce. 

Double-Edged Sword; However, he also cautions against underestimating the challenges. 

Weakening global demand and inflation add complexity to the equation, and domestic factors like sluggish internal demand require immediate attention.

ITMF President Outlines Global Trends

Srinivasan's leadership at ITMF marks a pivotal moment for India's textile industry. His call for enhanced competitiveness and a focus on innovation resonates with the need to harness the current opportunity and solidify India's position as a leading force in the global textile market.

Key Takeaways: Optimism and Caution for India's Textile Sector

• India has a strong potential to gain from shifting global textile demands.
• Domestic competitiveness and internal demand require improvement.
• ITMF offers a platform for India to voice its concerns and share best practices.
• Innovation and sustainability are crucial for long-term success.

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18 December 2023, Mumbai

Expansion Plans

ICRA reports, “India's top six cities are set for a mall space surge! Currently, at 105 million square feet, it's expected to reach 116–118 million by March 2025. 

Delhi NCR leads the charge with 30% of new space, followed by Bengaluru (20%), Mumbai (17%), Pune (14%), Hyderabad (13%), and Chennai (6%)”.

Rental Revenue on the Rise

Expect mall operators to enjoy increasing rental income, projected to grow 9–10% in FY2024 and 8–9% in FY2025. 

The key drivers are high occupancy rates, rising trading values, and rent escalations.

Footfall and Spending Uptickicra

Mall traffic and spending are rebounding strongly. ICRA reports an 8.4% YoY growth in rental income in H1 FY2024, indicating a robust recovery. Trading values are forecast to surge 14–15% in FY2024 and 10-12% in FY2025, thanks to premiumization and robust urban consumption.

Thriving Segments

Certain segments, like jewelry, electronics, premium apparel, beauty products, and entertainment, are witnessing higher consumption growth. This trend is expected to continue due to strong consumer demand.

Consumer Confidence Boost

India's private final consumption expenditure is rising, fueled by higher household spending. Optimistic consumer sentiment suggests this trend will persist, supporting mall retail sales.

Vacancy Puzzle Despite High Absorption

Despite a strong net absorption of 3.2 million square feet in H1 FY2024, vacancy levels increased slightly. This could be due to the timing of new mall openings or changes in tenant preferences.

This rewritten version summarizes the key takeaways of the original text and adds subtitles for improved readability and understanding.

5 Key Insights:

1. Mall Boom: Square footage soars 15 million by 2025, Delhi leads expansion.
2. Rents Rising: Operators see 9-10% growth, fueled by high occupancy & spending.
3. Shoppers Return: Footfall and spending rebound, premium segments thrive.
4. Confidence Boost: Rising household spending supports mall retail sales.
5. Vacancy Puzzle: Slight vacancy increase despite strong absorption.

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